Stories from August 13, 2021

Census data forces Minnesota lawmakers to grapple with remap
New census data has given legislators tasked with redrawing Minnesota’s political map a lot to think about, and they only have a few months to agree or to punt the high-stakes job to the courts.
Summery but dry weekend; we have a closer look at our drought
Last weekend we had a lot of clouds, and some of us saw some needed rain. This weekend will be much brighter, and it’s looking dry in most areas. We have the weekend forecast details, plus a drought update.
Frey highlights public safety, housing in proposed budget
The Minneapolis mayor also warned that the city was projected to experience shortfalls in the coming years and urged residents to get vaccinated so businesses and events may resume more safely.
Minnesota Republican Party officials are working to minimize damage from a well-connected operative’s indictment on sex trafficking charges. Also, a charter amendment that would have allowed Minneapolis residents to bring rent control policies directly to a general vote will not be on the November ballot, after the city council failed to overturn Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto this morning. This is the MPR News afternoon update for Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
As COVID surges once again, how are you making decisions about safety?
The latest spike in COVID-19 cases may mean that many people are once again making decisions about social gatherings, where to wear masks and whether to travel. Guest host Nina Moini spoke with public health officials about how to make these decisions using the latest guidance and explored how all of this decision-making is affecting our mental health with a psychologist.
As COVID surges once again, how are you making decisions about safety?
The latest spike in COVID-19 cases may mean that many people are once again making decisions about social gatherings, where to wear masks and whether to travel. Guest host Nina Moini spoke with public health officials about how to make these decisions using the latest guidance and explored how all of this decision-making is affecting our mental health with a psychologist.
CDC panel recommends 3rd vaccine dose for immunocompromised people
A panel of CDC advisers recommended a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for people with weakened immune systems. It follows the FDA authorization a day earlier.
GOP donor’s indictment poses problem for party leader
Anton Lazzaro faces multiple federal counts in a sexual exploitation case. He’s a close ally of Minnesota GOP Chair Jennifer Carnahan.
Minneapolis resident-driven rent control proposal falls short of council support for November ballot
A charter amendment that would have allowed Minneapolis residents to bring rent control policies directly to a general vote will not be on the November ballot, after the city council failed to overturn Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto Friday.
COVID-19 in MN: Newest cases hitting unvaccinated, including children
Minnesota continues to see COVID-19 cases increasing, but the summer increase still doesn’t compare to waves seen earlier in the pandemic. However, trends are pushing towards levels that health officials find concerning.
Duluth actor gets his biggest stage yet in the new movie 'CODA'
Daniel Durant, deaf since birth, has acted since he was 8 years old. He’s appeared on Broadway and TV, and now has a pivotal role in “CODA,” which won four major awards at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Highs in the 70s Friday give way to 80s and 90s by the end of the weekend. Meanwhile, the current dry trend breaks the second half of next week, with widespread chances for needed rain.
Taliban sweep across Afghanistan's south; take 4 more cities
The Taliban completed their sweep of the country's south on Friday as they took four more provincial capitals in a lightning offensive that is gradually encircling Kabul, just weeks before the U.S. is set to officially end its two-decade war.
High pressure is giving Minnesota an almost fall-like feel Friday with mostly sunny skies, low humidity and cool morning temperatures.
A federal grand jury in Minnesota has indicted Republican political operative Anton J. Lazzaro on child sex trafficking charges. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office allege that Lazzaro, 30, conspired with others to recruit and solicit six people under the age of 18 to engage in commercial sex between May and December of 2020. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, August 13, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Census data: U.S. is diversifying, white population shrinking
No racial or ethnic group dominates for those under age 18, and white people declined in numbers for the first time on record in the overall U.S. population as the Hispanic and Asian populations boomed this past decade, according to the 2020 census data.
What the new census data shows about race depends on how you look at it
Growing numbers of people in the U.S. are reporting on census forms that they identify with more than one racial group. But they're often hidden in breakdowns of the country's demographics.
Census: Major changes for state demographics, politics
New U.S. census data shows the bulk of Minnesota’s population growth over the past decade took place in the Twin Cities metro, paralleled by an increase of Minnesotans of color.